Radioprotection of Lung Tissue by Soy Isoflavones

In the study conducted 10 years ago, soy isoflavones were found to have a radioprotective effect on lung tissue in Balb/c mice. The mice were treated with oral soy isoflavones for three days before and up to four months after receiving 12 Gy of radiation to the left lung. The results showed that soy isoflavones protected against radiation-induced skin injury and hair loss. Additionally, the increase in breathing rates typically observed after lung irradiation, likely due to radiation-induced lung injury, was mitigated by the soy isoflavones. Histological examination of the lung tissue indicated that the inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis caused by radiation were also alleviated by the soy isoflavones. This study provided evidence that soy isoflavones can protect the lungs from the adverse effects of radiation, including skin injury, hair loss, increased breathing rates, inflammation, pneumonitis, and fibrosis.